Device for suppressing objectionable tones in an instrument of the violin family



June 29, 1948. w. G. BURHANS 2,444,280

DEVICE FOR SUPPRESSING OBJECTIONABLE TONES IN AN INSTRUMENT OF THE VIOLIN FAMILY Filed Feb. 15, 1945 Fi e-3.3.

Patented June 29, 1948 DEVICE FOR SUPPRESSIN G OBJECTION- .ABLE TONESIN AN INSTRUMENT OF THE VIOLIN FAMILY William G. Bur-bans, Kingston, N. Y.

Application February 15, 1945, Serial No. 577,977

3 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a device for suppressing objectionable tones in an instrument of the violin family, and in particular the so-called wolf which occurs in instruments of the Violin family and especially in the playing of certain notes on the G string in a cello.

The object of the present invention is the elimination of the objectionable type of tone referred to above by the provision of anattachment of simple nature for an instrument of the violin family, especially the cello and bass wherein the wolf tones are most prevalent and objectionable. The attachment provided in accordance with the invention is found to eliminate the wolf without affecting the other tones which is highly unusual since devices heretofore proposed for suppressing wolf tones always adversely affected the tones of the instrument.

The foregoing general objects as well as other objects relating to details of construction will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a cello with the device of the present invention attached thereto;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the tailpiece of the instrument; and

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view through the tailpiece at the location of the string holes showing the relationship of the attachment to the tailpiece and the face of the cello.

The face of a cello is illustrated at 2 and associated with it are the conventional tailpiece 4 and fingerboard 6. While the cello has been chosen by way of example for purposes of description, it is to be understood that the invention is equally applicable to all instruments of the violin family though it is particularly important for cellos and bass.

In accordance with the present invention the device for suppressing the objectionable tones may be conveniently attached to the tailpiece or fingerboard. It is, however, most convenient to attach the device to the tailpiece inasmuch as use may be made of one of the string holes without the necessity for any tampering with the instrument or substantial change in its appearance.

The device as thus applied to the instrument comprises a supporting member 8 which may be of plastic material, such as Lucite, with the result that the attachment will be substantially unnoticeable. This member 8 is tapped as indicated at l and into it is threaded a clamping screw l2 passing through one of the string holes l4 and desirably provided with a tapered head I5 to provide a tight clamping action.

The free end of the member 8 preferably extends laterally of the tailpiece as indicated and is tapped to receive a screw I6 provided with a knurled head It! for convenient adjustment. At its lower end the screw is provided with a rubber tip 20 which in operation is designed to bear upon the face 2 of the instrument. Desirably, the fit of the screw It in the threaded hole is a relatively tight one so as to insure maintenance of adjustment,

In use, the device is attached as indicated in the drawing, preferably with the rubber tip slightly spaced from the face of the violin. The player may then play the tones which are objectionable and screw down the rubber tip until trial indicates that the wolf is eliminated. If the adjustment goes no further the desirable tones of the instrument will be unaffected. It may also be desirable to adjust the attachment either towards the bridge or towards the lower end of the instrument, determining which adjustment most effectively eliminates the objectionable tone. Such adjustment is indicated in construction lines in Figure 2.

While the tip 20 has been described as of rubber, it will be understood that it may be of any rubber-like material, such as natural rubber or one of the artificial rubbers. What is desired is a resilient contact by the use of a material having sufficient internal friction to effect a substantial damping action. The rubber-like materials applicable may, however, include the relatively soft plastics which likewise have the property of quickly damping vibrations imparted to them. Felt may also be used, though it is not quite as satisfactory as rubber.

It will be understood that the particular construction illustrated may be subject to very substantial variation without departing from the principles of the invention which essentially require no more than the existence of a light contact between the face of the instrument and either a tailpiece or fingerboard which is capable of effecting the proper damping of the face of the instrument to suppress the objectionable vibrations or tones.

I claim:

1. A device for suppressing objectionable tones in an instrument of the violin family comprising a member arranged for attachment to a part of said instrument and overlying the face thereof and soft, resilient means carried by said member to make contact with the face of the instrument.

2. A device for suppressing objectionable tones in an instrument of the violin family comprising a member arranged for attachment to a part of said instrument and overlying the face thereof and soft, resilient means carried by said member to make adjustable contact with the face of the instrument.

3. A device for suppressing objectionable tones in an instrument of the violin family comprising an arm member arranged for pivotal attachment to the tailpiece of said instrument and overlying the face of the instrument, and a pad of rubberlike material adjustably carried by the arm memher to make contact with the face of the instrument.

WILLIAM G. BURHANS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 242,104 Berliner May 31, 188'"! 1,574,033 Hessel Feb. 23, 1926 FOREIGN PATENTS "Number Country Date 40,224 Germany July 30, 1887 486,891 Germany Nov. 26, 1929 

